Changing the pesimist

Jason Wachob and David Mazzapelle[i] suggest seven things a person can do to become more optimistic. Yesterday we considered three of them. The other four are:

They surround themselves with upbeat people. It is true that birds of a feather flock together. If you surround yourself with people who are pessimists it can be draining. On the other hand, if you’re around optimists, it is very contagious and it can be positive. Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton said that, “Optimism is a happiness magnet.”

They don’t listen to naysayers. Optimistic people don’t take the opinions of others too seriously when they don’t agree with them. What that means is that naysayers will tell you that you can’t achieve your goals. As Mezzapelle says, “Don’t let it affect you. It’s their reality, not yours.”

They forgive others. Optimists have an ability to forgive. As Mazzapelle explains, “The easiest way to forgive is to reflect on the fact that the past is the past. Make peace with it so that it doesn’t spoil the present.” As someone said, Forgiveness does not change your past, but it will more than likely change your future.

They smile. Smiling creates a happy environment that attracts others to you and adds to your happiness. The good thing is that happiness, even in small doses, releases serotonin which is a hormone that contributes to the feeling of well-being. In addition, smiling also has health benefits. A study from the University of Kansas found that cracking a smile, even when you don’t feel like it, reduces the intensity of the body’s stress response, regardless of whether a person actually feels happy. Even forcing a smile – for instance by putting a pencil in your mouth sideways and holding it between your teeth, results in a positive feeling of wellbeing.

Father God, life is truly beautiful and there’s much to be thankful for. Help me to maintain a positive, optimistic view of all I am and all I have so that my own feelings will be healing to me and to others around me.